Rashaud Terrelle Johnson

People

Rashaud Terrelle Johnson

On May 12, 2025, Rashaud Terrelle Johnson, a 32-year-old Black man and stand-up comedian, was shot and killed by Aurora Police Officer Brandon Mills at The Parking Spot, a parking lot near Denver International Airport. Johnson, who was unarmed and experiencing a mental health crisis, had been walking barefoot around the parking lot for over two hours. Employees called 911 five times reporting that Johnson appeared to be under the influence, was pulling on car doors, and had tried to fight employees. Officer Mills arrived alone and attempted to communicate with Johnson, who did not respond to questions and rushed toward the officer. Mills swung his baton and fired his Taser before the two ended up on the ground in a struggle. After separating, Mills drew his firearm and ordered Johnson to get on the ground. Johnson stood still momentarily, then slowly began walking toward Mills with his hands at his sides. Mills shot him twice in the chest from approximately 15 feet away, about 45 seconds after the physical altercation ended. Body camera footage shows that after the shooting, Mills held Johnson at gunpoint as he bled on the ground, waiting approximately five minutes for another officer to arrive without attempting to render aid. When backup arrived, Mills told the officer that Johnson was unarmed. Johnson's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Aurora and Officer Mills, with attorneys calling it "the worst Aurora police killing since Elijah McClain." The Aurora Police Department, already under scrutiny for its history of excessive force against Black residents, faces its second lawsuit in 2025 for unlawful use of deadly force.